Comedy Central wants to move stand-up comedy out of the clubs and into the realm occupied by massive outdoor events like Bonaroo or Lollapalooza.
The Viacom-owned cable network plans to launch the “Colossal Clusterfest,” a three-day event that will feature comedy showcases, music, podcast recordings and collaborations by the artists attending, all held at San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza and Bill Graham Civic Auditorium from Friday, June 2 to Sunday June 4. Comedy Central plans to air a 90-minute live special from teh event on June 4.
Jerry Seinfeld, Kevin Hart and Bill Burr will headline the event, which will also feature Sarah Silverman, Ice Cube, Hannibal Buress, Tig Notaro, Pete Davidson, Fred Armisen, Natasha Leggero, Tegan and Sara, Chromeo, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer from the Comedy Central series “Broad City,” Bob Odenkirk, Vince Staples, Chris Hardwick, Reggie Watts, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Princess featuring Maya Rudolph and Gretchen Lieberum.
“We have been looking at the festival space,” noted Kent Alterman, Comedy Central’s president. “It’s a great opportunity to connect fans with top talent.”